Bill > H431

This bill modifies parole procedures for prisoners serving life sentences in Massachusetts correctional institutions, excluding those at the Bridgewater State Hospital or serving life sentences for first-degree murder. It mandates that eligible prisoners become eligible for parole after serving 15 years, with the parole board required to hold a public hearing within 60 days of this milestone, involving the full board unless a member is deemed unavailable due to a conflict of interest, illness, incapacitation, or other circumstances, with the chair determining unavailability. A majority of the board must be present for the hearing to proceed, and absent members cannot vote. The bill also requires the parole board to notify the attorney general, the district attorney where the sentence was imposed, the local chief of police, and crime victims at least 30 days before the hearing, allowing them to participate. If the district attorney does not confirm receipt of notification, the hearing can be postponed for up to 7 business days. To grant parole, at least 5 out of 7 board members must vote in favor, or if fewer than 7 members are present, a majority plus one vote is needed. If parole is denied, the board must reconsider the case every five years. All parole board votes will be made public, and parole conditions can be altered or revoked, with violations potentially leading to arrest and return to prison.